Clarkson’s Ferrari Sells

Ferrari F355

Talk about a car that turns heads even three decades after its launch – the 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS is a real crowd-pleaser. This model has caught everyone’s eye, mainly because it’s from a bygone era when Ferrari’s naturally aspirated V8s were the talk of the town.

History

This particular F355 GTS comes with a story to tell. Ordered brand new by Jeremy Clarkson, the car is as much about celebrity as it is about engineering. Clarkson, the former host of Top Gear, picked it up in August 1996 and drove it for only about 6,000 miles before passing it on through a newspaper contest.

Market Value

Back when it rolled off the production line, this Ferrari had a price tag of around £90,000, which converts to about $120,000. Fast-forward to today, and it’s expected to fetch up to £220,000, or roughly $295,000 at auction, thanks to its low mileage and celebrity history.

Features

Sporting a Rosso Corsa paint job, this beauty comes with a removable targa top and the rare sports seats with Crema leather and bold red inserts. After being passed from owner to owner, it now shows 14,899 miles on the odometer.

Driving Experience

Hopping in the driver’s seat of the F355 is like going back in time. The engine roars to life behind you, responding with a kind of visceral excitement that just isn’t found in more modern turbocharged engines. The handling is sharp and precise, much like a newer Ferrari. However, the tactile feedback from the F355’s gated shifter offers an experience that’s reminiscent of driving a powerful classic.

It’s a toss-up with newer models like the 360 Modena, which can be nabbed for less than $100,000 and offer improvements in performance and reliability. Still, purists argue that nothing beats the original sound and feel of the F355.

Auction Insights

Set to be auctioned soon, this F355 has been carefully maintained with a recent full service and paint correction. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, owning a piece of automotive history like this—especially with its TV presenter provenance—is a unique opportunity.

Thinking about entering the auction floor? The listing awaits on RM Sotheby’s. Whether it’s to relive a bygone era of sports cars or to flaunt at the next car meet, this F355 GTS is a standout choice.